Juggling Summer

Oh Summer. We have such a complex relationship. Last night my talented friend Jami helped me with a professional photo-shoot. (More of those pictures to come.) It was such a gorgeous night. I honestly don’t think there is anything better than a breezy, warm summer night. (Here in Utah we don’t have much humidity, so nights outdoors are amazingly pleasant.) Those kind of nights always bring back waves of nostalgia – especially of my teenage years and being out with friends.

But summer is tricky too, and sometimes a little bit exhausing. I finally realized what makes it stressful for me – the lack of structure. Don’t get me wrong, one of the great things about summer is the lazy, fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants, care-free lifestyle. But the part of me that craves planning and schedules can sometimes get frustrated…I’m trying to do better about just ‘letting-go’ and enjoying the moment. I actually read a book, or two, over the past few weeks, which I honestly haven’t done for months. So there you go. Has anyone else watched or read Call the Midwife? It’s my latest favorite show from the BBC [of course.] Highly recommend both books and show. There are some gritty, hard, tragic parts, but that was the reality that people faced (some of it makes Dickens look like a fairy tale.) And the hope, and faith, and human kindness that come out if it, is so endearing and inspiring. (Although there is a little TMI about the “Cafes” (aka Brothels) in the first book. You may want to skip that part.)

We’ve been trying to explore new places. This is one my friend Calli told me about. It’s a 110-yr-old summer-house in the foothills a few miles from our house. All that is left of the house itself are two crumbling exterior walls, but there are remnants of the flower garden surrounding the house.

The coolest part is the poppies that were part of the original garden have spread over the surrounding hills and bloom during mid-June. What an awesome legacy of the original gardener. Makes you wonder what small act you do that might leave a remnant behind 110 years later for other people to enjoy.

I’m trying to remind myself to embrace this time with my kids right now and do a better job of living in the moment – a constant battle. They are at such fun ages – I seriously think we’re in the golden years before they’re too grown up and don’t want to hang around with us as much anymore. I feel like I need to soak it up and make the most of it while I can.

One thing we’re doing is volunteering at This Is the Place Heritage Park in Salt Lake City. (Think Pioneer version of Williamsburg or Old Sturbridge Village.) It’s a place we’ve liked visiting in summers past and my kids were so excited about volunteering there once a week this summer. I have to admit, I was less enthusiastic, but felt like I’d better run with it since they were gung-ho (even the boys), and probably won’t always feel that way about dressing in pioneer clothes and hanging out someplace with no access to phones, computers or other screens. The first week we went there, I realized that this is going to work out even better than I’d hoped. Time to hang out together, un-interrupted and un-distracted. We’re even working on a quilt. I think it’s just what I needed. I’m going to have to share more thoughts and pictures on that adventure in a future post.

So life feels full and busy, but it’s a good full and busy. My time at the computer gets more and more limited in the summer – but that is not always a bad thing. I am getting some sporadic sewing time, so that is a nice little bonus. I finally finished piecing my blocks for this version of my Double Crossed pattern (that I started last summer), using a vintage-sheet-inspired line, Dream On for Moda. (That collection is a few years old.) I need to add some borders and get it quilted, but fingers crossed, it will be done before the end of summer! Maybe.

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41 Comments

Preach! I completely relate to the troubles with the lack of structure in the summertime. I&#39;m a creature of structure, too, and summer really bugs me sometimes because of the lack of it! Love that slip and slide pic, gosh, that brings back fun memories 🙂 And your Dream On quilt top so far looks swoon-worthy. Love the way the green solid works with the vintage-y-ness of the prints!

Oh Amy, those poppies sprinkled all overe in the grassy treed area are so lovely! As are the quilts, kids by the creek, Dream On quilt and peek at your photo shoot. Summer is the best – enjoy it – I will too.

Love your Double-Crossed quilt! You make such beautiful quilts and I&#39;m so glad you share.<br /><br />I am having the same feelings about summer as you are, especially the living in the moment feelings. Finding balance between screen-time and chores and keeping the kids entertained and me time is always a challenge. Here&#39;s to making the best of summer!<br /><br />xo -E

What neat historic places. I like your thoughts on the poppies. It&#39;s interesting to think about the mark we leave here. I love that your kids are doing the pioneer thing. I remember dressing up for pioneer days…those dresses were hot. But such good memories.

The picture of your daughter with the poppies is amazing – I think it could win an award! Love your quilt. I still have some Dream On fabric that I have been saving… Not a lot of it left, but it is one of my all time favorites!

Those poppies are just stunning. What a beautiful place. What day do you volunteer at Pioneer Village?? That is so fun. If it is Friday, I will come see you this next weekend. We will be visiting my folks to drop off the kids before our trip 🙂 So glad you are getting to enjoy some down time with your children, you have totally earned the right to put your feet up and enjoy a book!!

It sounds like you are having a perfect summer Amy! Oh to be in your dry climate — we&#39;ve had so much rain (which is a wonderful change from the drought this year) that the mosquitos are just nasty in the evenings — so can&#39;t do a whole lot outside. ;-( Those poppies are just gorgeous — what a great place to take photos of your family. Can&#39;t wait to hear more about your summer at

I think you are right on target with your approach to summer. <br />I enjoyed both the books and the TV show of Call the Midwife and now we have to wait a long time for season 3. <br />Have a wonderful summer. Sounds like you are doing everything right!

As much as I love summer, I also find it tiring. It is comforting to know that I am not the only one who has a complicated relationship with this season. You are wise to enjoy the moments that you have. Thanks for sharing.

I feel the same way about summer…but I live for it, having my kids home all day is the BEST! I am homeschooling my middle child next year and trying to talk my husband into having the oldest stay home too. But I know what you mean about flying by the seat of your pants. It can be hard to do especially if you are used to a lot of structure.<br /><br />I just wanted to say THANK YOU for

You go girl…time with kids….time of your own….good job!:)<br /><br />Those photos of the poppies remind me of that book &quot;Miss Rumphius&quot; where her grandfather said one thing she should do is something to make the world more beautiful. I think you found a perfect example!:)

You have such a full life and you are so wise to enjoy it. How fun to volunteer at the park! I would have loved to do that, but didn&#39;t know that it was available! The poppy garden is a beautiful photo and I love your quilt. You always inspire me!

I really love your double crossed quilt top; looking forward to seeing it finished! Something about the balance between the vintage floral prints with the solid green feels very fresh and modern. I can&#39;t quite put my finger on it, but I&#39;m diggin&#39; it!<br /><br />I&#39;m curious about the midwife book — is it fiction or nonfiction? I had midwives with both of my deliveries, natural

Enjoy your summer with the children; they grow up so fast. I have never commented but I have to second your comment on Call the Midwife – love, love it! My daughters delivered with midwives, and so we all love that show. My youngest daughter had her wedding pictures taken in the field of poppies! Fun to see pictures of that again. She also volunteered at This is the Place, so those were

I totally get what you&#39;re saying about the feel of a summer evening – I had the exact same conversation with my husband on the way home from a BBQ. It&#39;s the feeling that I love to remember in the middle of winter. Love your quilt.

Your summer is looking delightful so far (don&#39;t photos always tell a lovelier story!) but I get it. We&#39;ve always got to take the bad with the good, such a delicate thing to balance in your heart.<br /><br />I enjoyed Call the Midwife (the book) as well. Although I did find one section a bit more information than I needed. How do you say &quot;gratuitous&quot;? I&#39;ve seen season 1

Lovely sentiment. I often feel the exact same way about summer. It looks like you&#39;re really making the most of it. I&#39;m excited to see your photo shoot pics!<br /><br />Kelsey<br />everydayfray.com

The &#39;living in the moment&#39; thing is so hard for me too. I know exactly what you mean about structure as well. Looks like you&#39;re doing a really good job of going with the flow, but don&#39;t beat yourself up, good enough is good enough. (And I loved Call the Midwife too – Miranda Hart who played Camilla (and is a hilarious comic) grew up just a few miles from my home.)

I love the analogy of the poppies. I have a hard time with &#39;living in the moment&#39;, but now that my kids are grown, I&#39;m finding it easier to do with the grand-kids (and enjoying every minute!) Keep the kids close while you can because they will soon become more independent. However, I&#39;ve found it sometimes gives me more time for quilting 😉

Looks like a load of fun places to explore, especially loving the HUGE poppies! When I was a kid I was a street urchin at a local working museum set in 1900 in Ironbridge, known as the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution. Come to think of it, life there probably wasn&#39;t far off Call the Midwife! (which I love watching, but haven&#39;t read the books of)

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